On August 12, 2024, the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJs) in Cagayan de Oro gathered at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Aluba to honor the 99th anniversary of the passing of their founder, Venerable Fr. Leo John Dehon. This significant event also marked the commencement of a year-long preparation leading up to the centennial anniversary of Fr. Dehon’s death in 1925 and the 150th founding anniversary of the congregation.

Fr. Dehon, born in 1843 to a French aristocratic family, devoted his life to advocating for the working class. He was a visionary who established schools, initiated a newspaper, and engaged in numerous social initiatives. In 1878, he founded the Priests of the Sacred Heart, a religious community that has expanded to over 40 countries across five continents.

The Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr. Niño B. Etulle, SCJ, who serves as the SCJ Philippines Regional Superior. In his sermon, Fr. Etulle highlighted the importance of this occasion as the start of preparations for the centennial commemoration of Fr. Dehon’s death in 2025. He also emphasized the core values of Dehonian Spirituality and their significance for members of the Dehonian Family today.

A special moment during the celebration was the admission of three aspirants into the Postulancy Program and seven into the Aspirancy Program, symbolizing their formal commitment to exploring and enhancing their vocation within the Dehonian community.

The celebration was attended by SCJs from the Cagayan de Oro area, Lay Dehonians, Dehonian Youth, parishioners from Aluba Parish and Dansolihon, as well as other supporters of the community. The Eucharistic celebration concluded with a shared meal, promoting fellowship and unity among all participants.